Sawatdee
July 7, 2009 at 5:16 pm | Posted in Asian, Thai | Leave a commentTags: express, Minneapolis, Sawatdee, skyway, Thai
two out of four walleyes
Someday I’d like to try out one of Sawatdee’s sit-down restaurants. I hear tell they’re outstanding. The Sawatdee express in the skyway is perfectly fine, but it doesn’t quite live up to its illustrious parent’s reputation. This tiny little place is too small and congested for dining, but its friendly and efficient staff makes this a great place for take-away. I had pad thai with mock duck (one can also have tofu or chicken as a protein topper), and it was alright, but nothing great. Though the fresh scallions and bean sprouts on top were a really nice touch, but the noodles themselves were bland. I had a spring roll on the side, which was more impressive. Full of fresh veggies with a delicious sweet peanut sauce to douse it in.
Price: Totally reasonable
Speed: Very fast & efficient
Seating: A whopping 5 seats at two small tables
Large groups? Oh no no no
Check ‘em out: http://www.sawatdee.com/
733 Marqutte Ave #211, Tel: 612-455-6056
Royal Orchid
July 1, 2009 at 9:38 pm | Posted in Asian, Thai | Leave a commentTags: curry, lunch, Minneapolis, review, Royal Orchid, skyway, Thai
three out of four walleyes
Royal Orchid looks awful. The location, while certainly visible, sideswipes a busy hallway with the dining area and the ordering area immediately adjacent to the stream of businessmen charging by. There’s no decor to speak of, just simple, ugly wooden chairs and tables next to an ordinary buffet counter. And the food itself just looks like trays of differently-hued glop. But in spite of all this (and I hope you’re still reading!), I left Royal Orchid thoroughly impressed and eager to return. The colored goo is actually part of a very clever system for delivering Thai food in a way that is both speedy and retains its all-important texture and flavor. First the freshly made white rice goes on the plate, then your protein of choice (mainly just chicken or tofu), and then the sauce on top. Looks awful, tastes fantastic. And there are quite a few different sauces to choose from. I had the Panang curry, which was savory and peanut-y and delicious. They even had a couple of curries-of-the-day, just in case you get sick of their standards. I had the very good value lunch combo, with pad thai as my second entree. Not quite as impressive as the curry, but still tasty. And all lunches come with a side of veggies. The drink selection here is a little odd. No soda fountain, just cans. And most of the cans are unusual Asian drinks that I’d never heard of, but that didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying my pink guava punch. I really wish Royal Orchid could improve its atmophere and appearance; these seem to be the only things stopping them from being a really great lunch venue.
Price: Very fair – Lunch combos range from $5-7
Speed: Quick and pleasant
Seating: There’s always plenty of empty chairs, around 30
Large groups? Sure, if you don’t care about atmosphere. There are several tables for 4 and one that could seat up to 10, but it’s not a great place to hang out or chat.
Check ‘em out: 623 Marquette Ave, (612) 436-9099
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